Mentally Ill in the Juvenile Justice System: The Sequential Intercept Model Approach
2 Int'l J. Ther. Juris. 61 (2017)
27 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2016 Last revised: 5 Jul 2017
Abstract
The alarming rate of youths with mental illnesses in the United States juvenile justice system has prompted recommendations and calls for reform for years. To apply these recommendations, Therapeutic Jurisprudence (TJ) and the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) are handy mechanisms for identifying intercept points where it’s possible to deviate from standard juvenile legal processes and reach a therapeutic alternative for young offenders who suffer from mental disorders. This work also identifies provisions that may represent SIM intercept points within the Puerto Rico law establishing the juvenile justice system (Ley de Menores), meanwhile evaluating whether they are in accordance with TJ principles.
Keywords: juvenile law, mental health, Sequential Intercept Model, Therapeutic Jurisprudence
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